How Can Airbags Injure You During A Car Accident?

November 09, 2025 | Posted in Uncategorized

Airbags save lives — no question about it. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), airbags have saved over 50,000 lives since they became standard in vehicles. But like any safety feature, they’re not perfect.

Most of the time, airbags work precisely the way they’re supposed to: they cushion the blow and reduce the chances of serious injury or death. But in some situations, they can cause injuries, especially if something about the crash or the seating position isn’t quite right. So, how do airbag-related injuries happen? Our friends at Pavlack Law, LLC discuss this topic below.

1. They Deploy Fast — Really Fast  

Airbags inflate in less than 1/20th of a second — sometimes at speeds of over 200 mph. That’s faster than the blink of an eye. That speed is necessary to protect your head and chest before you’re thrown forward in a crash.

But that speed also packs a punch. If you’re sitting too close to the airbag or leaning forward at the time of deployment, the force can cause:

• Facial bruising or fractures
• Chest injuries or cracked ribs
• Burns from the heat or chemicals used in deployment

These injuries are typically much less severe than what would happen without the airbag, but they’re worth understanding.

2. They Work Best with Seatbelts  

Airbags and seatbelts are designed to work together — not as substitutes. According to NHTSA, unbelted drivers or passengers are much more likely to be injured by an airbag because they’re more likely to hit it in the wrong position or at the wrong angle. Always wearing a seatbelt is the best way to reduce both the risk of injury and the force with which you hit the airbag.

3. They Can Be Dangerous for Children and Smaller Adults

Front airbags are powerful, and they’re calibrated based on average adult size and weight. For that reason, children under 13 should always sit in the back seat — preferably with proper car or booster seats, depending on age.

Smaller adults who sit very close to the steering wheel may also be at increased risk. In these cases, adjusting the seat or using pedal extenders can help create a safer distance from the airbag.

4. Some Airbags Have Been Recalled for Serious Defects

Not all airbags are created equal. Millions of vehicles were recalled due to defective Takata airbags, which could explode with too much force and send metal fragments into the vehicle. These defects were linked to at least 27 deaths in the U.S. alone, per NHTSA.

If you’re unsure whether your vehicle is affected, you can check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

5. Deployment Involves Chemicals  

When airbags deploy, they release a small cloud of white powder — often talcum or cornstarch —to lubricate the bag as it inflates. They also involve a chemical reaction to create the gas that fills the airbag.

In rare cases, people may experience:

• Temporary breathing issues
• Eye irritation
• Skin sensitivity

These effects usually pass quickly, but anyone with existing respiratory conditions might be more sensitive.

Bottom Line

As a car accident lawyer knows, airbags are one of the most effective life-saving technologies ever added to cars. But like any safety tool, they work best when used correctly — and they’re not entirely risk-free. The good news? Most airbag related injuries are preventable with proper seatbelt use and seating position.

Want to make sure your car’s airbags are safe? Take a few minutes to check your VIN at nhtsa.gov.